Morris Day Confirms Prince’s Secret Feud with The Time: Inside the Bitter Rivalry
Morris Day recently confirmed longstanding rumors about a secret feud between legendary musician Prince and the iconic funk band, The Time. Created by Prince in 1981, The Time skyrocketed to fame with hits like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.”
Although it seemed the band members enjoyed creative freedom, Morris Day revealed that Prince tightly controlled every aspect, from songwriting to production. Prince often recorded instruments himself under pseudonyms, leaving band members feeling more like hired performers than equal partners.
Behind their success, tensions simmered. Band members Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wanted creative independence, secretly producing hits for other artists, including the SOS Band’s “Just Be Good to Me.” Prince disapproved strongly, insisting members prioritize The Time exclusively. During the “1999 Triple Threat Tour,” Jam and Lewis missed a concert after getting stranded by a snowstorm while working on a side project. Prince swiftly fired them, escalating internal friction.
Morris Day described Prince as a “control freak,” stating that despite being lead singer, he had little real authority. Day, frustrated, eventually renamed the band “Morris Day and The Time,” seeking independence. This infuriated Prince, who legally blocked Day from using the band’s original name on new recordings.
Their rivalry intensified during the filming of “Purple Rain” in 1984, where Morris Day portrayed Prince’s adversary—a role reflecting their real-life tensions. On tour, The Time’s energetic performances often outshined Prince’s own, creating further resentment. Eventually, Morris left in 1984 to pursue a solo career, tired of Prince’s domination.
The original lineup fractured, with multiple reunions and separations over subsequent decades. Despite periodic reconciliations—such as the successful 1990 album “Pandemonium” and the hit “Jerk Out”—stability was elusive. Prince continued exerting control, complicating reunions, and forcing name changes. In 2011, they reformed as “The Original 7ven” due to legal barriers imposed by Prince’s ownership of “The Time.”
Following Prince’s death in 2016, Morris Day publicly battled Prince’s estate, accusing them of unjustly restricting him from using the name he’d represented for 40 years. While Prince’s representatives claimed Morris had willingly agreed to terms decades earlier, Day felt betrayed, alleging the estate’s actions threatened his livelihood.
Day has openly reflected on their complex relationship, describing Prince’s profound impact yet acknowledging persistent bitterness. While he credits Prince for launching his career, Day resents the relentless control and constant power struggles.
Despite these tensions, the band’s legacy endures. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis went on to Grammy-winning success as producers for Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and many others. The Time’s music and style have heavily influenced popular culture, immortalized through film, concerts, and continuous fan admiration.
Today, Morris Day continues performing under “Morris Day and The Time,” honoring Prince’s memory while openly acknowledging the hardships they faced. His recent confirmation of their secret feud offers fans deeper insight into the complex dynamics behind one of music’s most compelling rivalries.